Myoglobin: Oxygen Storage Protein

UPSC Reference: Health Care

What is Myoglobin?

Myoglobin is a haem-containing protein found mainly in:

  • Skeletal muscle

  • Cardiac muscle

Main Function

It binds and stores oxygen in muscle cells and facilitates oxygen availability for mitochondrial metabolism.

2026 Research

Scientists engineered lettuce and tobacco plants to produce animal myoglobin in their chloroplasts, with potential applications in plant-based meat alternatives.

Research has also expanded understanding of myoglobin's role beyond muscle oxygen storage, including its possible role in thermogenic brown fat and energy metabolism.

UPSC Key Pointer

Myoglobin → Haem protein → Muscle → Oxygen storage

Don't Confuse

  • Myoglobin → muscle

  • Haemoglobin → blood/RBCs